April 2 2015

THURSDAY APRIL 2, 2015

VOLUME 104 ISSUE 74 www.UniversityStar.com

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BUSINESS

Rhea’s Ice Cream to close permanently

By Alexa Tavarez SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @lexicanaa San Marcos residents will have one fewer ice cream shop to suppress their sugar cravings starting this June.

Rhea Ortamond, owner of Rhea’s Ice Cream, announced April 1 on the business’ Facebook page she is planning to close the shop in pursuit of an endeavor in Chicago.

Ortamond wrote the store will remain open until June 28.

“We still have three more months together, though,” Ortamond said in the post.

“That’s plenty of time to eat yourself into a sugar coma.”

Ortamond opened Rhea’s Ice Cream in 2010 and has since pleased San Marcos residents with homemade offerings. Rhea’s is known for its novelty flavors.

Ortamond thanked her customers for the support they have shown since she opened the shop on North LBJ Drive.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Ortamond said. “Your unbelievable support has turned this girl’s dream into a reality.”

Ortamond will be out of town until Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

A full article on the closure will be available in The University Star next week.

WATER

Electro Purification counters claims of aquifer depletion

By Jon Wilcox SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @thrilcox Representatives of Electro Purification (EP) presented a study demonstrating the viability of the company’s plans to pump the Trinity Aquifer at Tuesday’s Hays County Commissioners Court meeting.

A study by Wet Rock Groundwater Services, an environmental consulting firm representing EP, argued for sustainability in plans to pump the aquifer. Lawyers and hydrologists debated the accuracy of a contradicting study presented by EP’s opponents.

Kaveh Khorzad, president of Wet Rock Groundwater Services, said EP’s proposed rate of 2.7 million gallons of water per day would not damage the aquifer irreversibly.

LBG-Guyton Associates, an environmental consulting firm representing private landowners near the proposed EP well site, presented data at a March 24 commissioners court meeting. Representatives argued EP’s pumping plans could deplete the aquifer within decades.

Khorzad said the scientific report was flawed on multiple levels.

Khorzad said LBG-Guyton Associates’ study was hurried, included inaccurate data and was based on the assumption the aquifer would have no capacity to recharge.

Recharge would likely be partially supplied by nearby, connected aquifers, he said.

Khorzad could not promise the Trinity Aquifer would recharge from other groundwater sources.Bert Cobb, Hays County Judge, said the contradictory findings by Wet Rock Groundwater Services and LBG-Guyton Associates troubled him.

“I’ve got a drawer full of studies,” Cobb said. “A study is worthless unless it leads to something that improves the situation.”

Ed McCarthy, legal representative for EP, admitted more research needed to be conducted before the court could make an educated decision on the proposal.

Khorzad said officials with Wet Rock Groundwater Services have plans for long-term testing and a water-monitoring network.

Connor Branach, communication studies senior, reveals a ripped dollar bill found in the wallet of Joseph Hechler, psychology junior, April 1 at George’s in LBJ Student Center.

MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR

Former talent show winner performs magic see Lifestyle, page 6 TRANSPORTATION

School bus crash sparks improvements to State Highway 21

By Nicholas Laughlin NEWS REPORTER @nmlaughlin The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will make changes to State Highway 21 to improve safety for school buses.

A semi-trailer truck collided with a San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) school bus March 2 on SH-21.

Iris Campbell, SMCISD public information officer, said district officials are working with Victor Vargas, TxDOT area engineer, to review options to increase safety for students and staff.

TxDOT officials previously put signs along SH-21 to caution drivers about speeding after an earlier accident involving a school bus.

Karen Griffith, SMCISD assistant superintendent of business and support services, said the March

See HIGHWAY 21, Page 2

TxDOT officials will make safety changes to SH-21 after a March 2 SMCISD bus crash.

CITY

Student team triumphs at commercial build competition

By Andrew Blanton NEWS REPORTER @andrewjblanton A team from the Construction Science and Management program defeated 11 other universities to place first in a commercial build competition.

Construction science and management seniors James Holmes, Trevor Lundgren, Mitchell Classen, Ricky Conaway and Oliver Moore, won the Region 5 TEXO Association Commercial Build Competition. They defeated the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University in the competition.

Students were given a request for proposal (RFP) Feb. 28 outlining the project. They had 16 hours to create a construction plan. The plan was for a 70,000-square-foot Holt-

Caterpillar sales and service facility, Lundgren said.

“They put an emphasis on the estimate and schedule because those are the most detailed portions of any proposal,” Lundgren said. “It’s a very important part of any construction proposal because you want to maintain a budget and complete the project in time for the owner.”

The time constraint is one of the most difficult aspects of the competition, Holmes said. Construction proposals usually take two to three months of preparation, and students have few resources to utilize outside of the Internet.

The team prepared for some aspects of the competition with sponsor SpawGlass, a local area construction company that built Chautauqua

See TEXO, Page 2

HARON SAENZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The TEXO Association Commercial Build Competition team poses March 26 on campus.

PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

WATER

Aquifer association proposes tighter regulation of EP

By Anna Herod SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @annaleemurphy The recent water wars in Hays County have shifted into the courtroom.

The Tr inity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA) filed a lawsuit in the Hays County District Courts March 20 against Electro Purification (EP).

The lawsuit was initiated on behalf of residents who live within half a mile of the company’s proposed project, according to court documents.

The suit was filed in an effort to stop EP’s plans to pump over 5 million gallons of water per day from a currently unregulated area of the Trinity Aquifer, said Jeff Mundy, lead trial lawyer for TESPA. Members of TESPA believe the drilling site falls into the jurisdiction of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD).

“We feel very firmly that this is within that HTGCD jurisdiction,” Mundy said. “If that is determined correct, then (EP) has to apply for a permit with that district.”

EP officials would have to be more environmentally conscious to obtain a permit based on government criteria, Mundy said.

“There’s some statutory

criteria the State has put in place that have to be analyzed to determine what amount of water can be pumped in a sustainable fashion so that it doesn’t injure the neighbors or the aquifer,” Mundy said.

TESPA officials ask the rule of capture as it applies to groundwater be overturned if the court decides EP’s work site is not under the jurisdiction of the HTGCD, according to court documents.

Mundy said under the law of capture, a property owner can pump an unregulated amount of water from any site on his or her property even if their neighbors’ supply is damaged.

“And if all of your neighbors can’t live in their homes any more because they have no water, the rule says you’re not liable to your neighbors even though you’ve damaged their land and their homes,” Mundy said.

In a March 20 press release Tim Throckmorton, manager of EP, said TESPA officials are trying to take away “every Texan’s fundamental right” to capture and beneficially use groundwater beneath his or her land.

Throckmorton said misinformation has been circulated by opposing groups, some of which can be found in the

See TESPA, Page 2

2 | The University Star | News | Thursday, April 2, 2015

FINANCE

University system will save $27 million after refinancing

By Jake Goodman NEWS REPORTER @jake_thegoodman The Texas State University System (TSUS) will save $27.4 million over the next 20 years after refinancing at historically low interest rates.

Roland Smith, vice chancellor of finance, said the system sold $315.7 million in debt to refinance $217.3 million. The transaction allowed investors to purchase a stake in the debt, which lowered the system’s annual interest, by rewriting the loan with different

creditors. The former interest rate was 4 percent. The new rate is set at 3.2 percent.

“It’s not unlike a mortgage,” said Mike Wintemute, director of communications. “It’s basically the same thing.”

Smith said the system sold $315.7 million in bonds to new investors and repurchased the debt at the lower rate.

“Normally you go out and borrow money to buy a house, and at some point in that period of time interest rates will drop, so effectively that’s what we’re doing,” Smith said.

Wintemute said the total debt

$108.9 million

loan will fund construction projects

the system chose to refinance was $315.7 million. The $217.3 million, two-thirds of the total, was then refinanced at a lower interest rate.

The remaining third of the $315.7 million is loaned from the State and locked at a 4 percent interest rate, Wintemute said. The State helps fund institutions, so whether the savings will benefit the universities or go to the State treasury is unclear.

Smith said 32 percent of the system’s revenue comes from the State, while the remainder comes from tuition, dorm and athletic fees; meal costs and university bookstores. The tuition fees are used as collateral for loans.

Smith said the lower interest rates will save the university $27.4 million over the next 20 years.

“For a long time, these rates have been low, and this seemed like the best time to get it wrapped up before the Federal Reserve rose the interest rates,” Smith said. “You never get it exactly right, but sometimes you can get

a pretty good deal.”

Jason Dixon, financial advisor for Edward Jones, said interest rates are low because officials with the Federal Reserve, which issues bonds, are trying to encourage banks to lend more money.

Refinancing is beneficial for the system because the Federal Reserve has hinted at raising rates.

“Because of the low interest rates, those bond issuance costs were more than paid for, which made the transaction worthwhile,” Wintemute said.

Smith said the system is $807 million in debt. The system pays approximately $23 million per year on interest.

“You still have the mortgage,” Smith said. “You’re just paying at a lower interest rate.”

The system’s debt is low compared to that of other academic institutions, he said. Having less debt gives the system a higher credit rating and allows it to borrow more if necessary.

Smith said the system has an AA credit rating with Moody’s

Investors Service. The rating is provided by banks and lending institutions and is essentially the same as a personal credit score.

The AA credit rating is one level below the top score, AAA. “Having a AAA rating is always nice because the lower your credit score, the more interest you have to pay,” Dixon said.

The transaction will include a $2.04 million bond issuance cost, Wintemute said. The bond issuance cost is a reimbursement to the team that executed the exchange. The cost is less than .06 percent of the total.

Wintemute said the $108.7 million loan will go toward construction projects at Texas State and Sam Houston State. $69 million will go toward the construction of a new residence hall at Sam Houston State.

“We’re a financially stronger system as a result of this transaction,” Smith said.

Texas State will receive $29 million of the funding, Wintemute said.

The total Texas State University System is

$79.9

$807million

$29

million

million

will go to Sam Houston State University

will go to Texas State University

in debt. The system pays approximately $23 million per year on interest.

HIGHWAY 21, from front 2 collision sparked the changes in progress, Officials from SMCISD and TxDOT discussed possible changes during a March 9 conference call, Campbell said. Propositions included reducing the speed limit along SH-21, adding additional signage and installing warning that would flash at specific times, such as during dropoffs and pickups.

Some of the updates may occur within a month, Campbell said. The approval for others is expected to take up to five months.

“The goal of all parties is the safety of our students,” she said.

The changes will include the installation of three flashing lights. One eastbound and two westbound lights are scheduled to be completed by the end of spring, said Mark Cross, TxDOT public information officer.

A fifth lane will be added between Bogie Lane and Harris Hill Road, Cross said. The project includes the addition of a continuous left-turn lane.

Officials expect the improvement to be completed during the summer.

SMCISD officials proposed the

speed limit be reduced to 35 mph, Griffith said. Instead TxDOT lowered the limit from 65 to 55 mph.

The decision was based on a TxDOT study on traffic and road conditions, which showed the area on SH-21 to be a 55-mph zone, Griffith said. The absence of a school zone means the limit does not necessarily have to be lowered to 35 mph.

Griffith said motorists do not “anticipate” a bus to stop on SH-21 because it is a highway.

“With the fast-moving traffic, (if) you have someone stop and someone

TEXO, from front Hall, Lundgren said.

SpawGlass officials helped the team determine rough estimates of salaries and costs of commercial design projects, Holmes said.

“In the real world, they would release this proposal to any company that wants to bid on it,” Holmes said.

Businesses receive offers from construction companies outlining the amount of time needed to complete projects, associated costs and design plans before awarding contracts, Holmes said.

The proposal the design team created accounted for 60 percent of the grading.

The remaining 40 percent was based on the team’s presentation, which took place Feb. 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dallas, Lundgren said.

“Being able to take everything we learned in the classroom and put it together in a proposal really helps you understand so much more than you did before because you’re actually applying all of this knowledge,” Lundgren said.

The competition gives students the opportunity to experience the responsibilities of project management in the field, Lundgren said.

isn’t anticipating it, then it causes an accident,” Griffith said.

Griffith said buses must stop in the right lane of the highway rather than on the shoulder to let children out. People tend to think they are not required to stop if the bus is on the shoulder.

“Buses are supposed to stop traffic for the safety of the kids,” Griffith said.

“Both lanes of traffic have to stop.”

SMCISD has a district initiative to create bus stop markers for rural routes in addition to the changes TxDOT will implement, Griffith said.

“(Substitute bus drivers) aren’t aware of where the stop is because they are looking for addresses, and in rural areas (the stops) aren’t marked,” Griffith said.

Cross said work on the changes will begin immediately. Projects will be completed within the next five to six months.

“Safety for all is a TxDOT priority, with emphasis on these improvements focusing on students being transported through the area via school buses,” Cross said.

TESPA, from front “Being forced to work underneath that pressure develops you as a student and a professional,” Holmes said.

B.J. Spencer and Vivek Sharma, senior lecturers from the Department of Engineering Technology, coached the team.

Participants were largely responsible for choosing team members and assigning duties during the competition.

“They find all of the components that they need for the team,” Spencer said.

“We assist with any data they need (or) any connections with people or computers or hardware (and) technology.”

A $4,000 grant was issued to Texas State by the TEXO association in addition to the $1,000 prize given to each of the team members for winning, Lundgren said.

Team members received offers for internships and full-time positions from representatives of TEXO-associated firms who were present at the competition, Spencer said.

“Throughout this entire process, you really learn the importance of teamwork and clear communication with all your project team members as it relates to the real world,” Lundgren said.

UNIVERSITY

Faculty Senate approves University Research Committee recommendations

By Nicholas Laughlin NEWS REPORTER @nmlaughlin Faculty Senate discussed a new University Research Committee (URC) report at their Wednesday meeting and considered recommendations for new policies and procedures.

Officials with the URC review faculty research proposals and offer funding recommendations.

Michel Conroy, Faculty Senate chair, recommended four processes and procedures and all were approved.

The first recommendation made was to change the committee’s name to University Research Enhancement Committee (UREC).

“The word needs to be revised to ‘enhancement’ because there are so many levels of research committees right now,” Conroy said. “The only one that this committee is involved in is the research enhancement program.”

Conroy then suggested the annual archiving of College Research Enhance-

ment Committee (CREC) evaluation score sheets on each project proposal.

The archives would help to inform unsuccessful applicants on ways to improve their research proposals.

Conroy said proposals will be scored in categories, which will allow the applicants to see where they place.

“We certainly have had a lot of qualitative data, questions (and) comments that really would help someone applying for a second time,” said Emily Payne, education senator.

Barbara Covington, nursing senator, said the College of Heath Professions dean meets with applicants whose proposals did not make the cut, as well as those accepted, to give suggestions based on comments.

The third recommendation states UREC members should review applicants prior to the evaluation meetings to determine whether each proposal is eligible.

The last recommendation suggested the period for expending funds and carrying out a project be extended. The current period runs from January to March of the next fiscal year. The proposed system would extend the time limit to May.

witness statements in the lawsuit filings.

Texas is the only state to use the rule of capture.

TESPA officials hope the courts will apply the law of reasonable use, also called the “American rule,” that other states use.

“The common law of reasonable use is that people can use what water they need for their own domestic and livestock uses,” Mundy said.

“But they’re not allowed to pump it off premises to sell.”

Vicki Hujsak, president of TESPA, lives about a mile away from a site EP plans to pump from and was “horrified” when she heard of the company’s pitch.

“For us, the scariest part is if they (pump the water), the people within one mile, which is an entire Rolling Oaks neighborhood, will lose their water supply,” Hujsak said.

She said water is espe-

cially precious because of the recent drought. “(We need to) figure out some way to supply water to everybody that needs it,” Hujsak. “But let’s not do it at the expense of destroying something that we can never get back once it’s gone.”

Jim Blackburn, co-founder of TESPA, said supporters of the organization work together to achieve progress.

“Some people are working at the legislature, some people are working here at the grassroots level, letting people know about what’s happening, and others of us may be going to court,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn said the way water rights are determined in Texas is problematic.

“We would hope to get an expression by the courts that there’s regulatory authority and that EP has to get a permit before they can proceed,” Blackburn said.

“That, at least, would begin to put some measure of reasonableness on the withdraws.”

HTGCD officials would be able to equally allocate the water supply if the lawsuit plays out in TESPA’s favor, he said.

“There’s sort of a rural way of life that exists back in the Driftwood and Wimberley area, and I would say that’s threatened very much at this point of time,” Blackburn said.

Groundwater is not the only “precious resource” at stake, he said.

“Springs are what makes this part of the state really, really unique and a wonderful place to live,” Blackburn said. “We’re in danger of not only losing our water supply, period, but we’re also in danger of losing those kind of characteristics that make many of us want to live in these areas.”

The University Star | Thursday, April 2, 2015 | 3

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

SOFTBALL

CARDINALS SEE RED

By Christian Rodriguez ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @crod9521

Coach Ricci Woodard kept her analysis short and sweet after the Texas State softball team’s 1-0 victory Wednesday night against Incarnate Word.

“We need to do a better job offensively,” Woodard said.

The Bobcats finished with eight hits. Six different players recorded hits in the matchup. Courtney Harris, senior third baseman, had a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning that made the difference in the game.

Kortney Koroll, senior designated player, had three of Texas State’s eight hits with one double.

Woodard felt her seniors understood the importance of stepping up and trusted them to do so.

“I think they knew that everybody was pretty f lat tonight,” Woodard said. “They did a good job of doing enough to keep us going and trying to keep us motivated enough to win a ball game.”

Randi Rupp, freshman pitcher,

stepped up when the team needed her. Rupp threw a complete game, striking out 14 batters and tying her career high.

Rupp’s earned run average for the season dropped to 2.87. She now leads the Sun Belt Conference with 206 strikeouts.

Rupp held the Cardinals to two hits, improving her record to 16-9 on the season.

“Anytime you put Randi Rupp on the mound, you got a chance to win a ball game,” Woodard said. “She’s done a great job for us all year long, and she just continues to want to get better.”

Woodard believes Rupp gets better when her performance matters the most.

“She loves pitching in these games where she can work on some things and just work on getting better,” Woodard said. “I thought once again she got better as the game went on and did a great job for us.”

The Bobcats are set to face Texas this weekend in a series at home and away. The Longhorns, ranked 25th nationally according to the

DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Kortney Koroll, senior designated player, slides past an Incarnate Word third baseman and is declared safe April 1 at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

NFCA poll, have a 24-9 record “I didn’t feel like we had very where you’re just happy to get out heading into the weekend. much energy and much enthusiasm of here with a W at the end of the Woodard knows her team faces a today to play the game,” Woodard day because I just didn’t feel like we challenge this weekend. said. “It was one of those deals brought much.”

BASEBALL

STORYLINES TO WATCH: TEXAS STATE VS. BAYLOR series against each other.

By Matt Gurevitz SPORTS REPORTER @Matt_Gurevitz

STRONG WEEKEND PLAY FROM The Texas State baseball team will TEXAS STATE THIS MONTH face the Baylor Bears in a three-game series this weekend. Baylor will be another in-state, non-conference opponent for the Bobcats.

The series will start Thursday and conclude Saturday.

MATCHUP HISTORY The teams have never shared a conference, but they have faced each other in every season since 2005.

The Bobcats are 19-47 against Baylor in their all-time series.

The meeting marks the first time the teams have played a three-game

Texas State has played some of its best baseball in weekend games during March.

The first weekend series was March 6 against Louisiana-Monroe.

The Bobcats won the series 2-1 against the Warhawks. The team is 8-4 in March during weekends.

Texas State must continue its weekend success into April to defeat the Bears.

NEW ARMS FOR TEXAS STATE AGAINST BAYLOR

Texas State faced Baylor in a twogame-series last season. Two of the pitchers on the current Bobcat roster competed in the series.

Andrew Boes, junior pitcher, pitched in 1.1 innings against Baylor last season. Boes has not pitched since the opening weekend against UC-Davis this season.

Cory Geisler, junior pitcher, pitched 0.1 innings and received a win against Baylor last season.

February, and Texas State played one of its best games of the season.

Success should be in the cards for the Bobcats if both Texas State and Baylor play like they did against Houston.

Houston is currently ranked 20th in the nation according to Baseball America.

RESULTS AGAINST HOUSTON

Texas State will play the first game of the series at home and the remaining two on the road.

The opening game is at Bobcat Ballpark Thursday night. The next two games will be in Waco Friday and Saturday.

Both teams won their games at home last season in a series split.

Baylor hosted a weekday game Tuesday against Houston.

Calling the game a disaster for Baylor is an understatement. Houston won 11-0 in Waco.

Houston came to San Marcos in

FOOTBALL

BOBCATS VS BOBCATS

By Quixem Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR @quixem The Texas State football team’s foundation is molded in spring, five months before the Bobcats’ season opener against Florida State.

The culmination of spring practice is Texas State’s annual Maroon-Gold game, pitting the Bobcats against themselves in an intrasquad matchup.

The game is a chance for younger players to make a statement. For older players, the game is an opportunity to shake off the rust in preparation for the 2015 season.

For Coach Dennis Franchione, the game is a glimpse of what to expect from his team.

“A lot of positive things,” Franchione said. “A little inconsistent, but when you go against each other for 15 days, it happens a little bit.

The defense has had its moments. The offense has had its moments. I’m not disappointed at all.”

Players, not coaches, pick the Maroon and Gold teams. Franchione does not mediate the process because he wants to observe how his players value their teammates.

Chris Nutall, running back, was the first overall selection for the Maroon team.

Blaire Sullivan, quarterback, was the second pick in

the draft—until he wasn’t.

Franchione broke his rule by chiming in.

“You’re not going to pick T. Jones?” he questioned.

The Gold team members reconsidered after Franchione assured them Tyler Jones, quarterback, would play most of the game.

Jones, the second pick in the draft, headlines a Gold team that includes Jerrid Jeter-Gilmon (linebacker) C.J. Best (wide receiver) and Mershad Dillon (defensive tackle).

Ryan Melton (offensive line), Dallas McClarty (defensive tackle), Jafus Gaines (wide receiver) and David Mims (cornerback) joined Nutall on the Maroon team.

Franchione’s post-draft assessment was brief.

“I don’t want you running my NFL Draft,” Franchione said. “I’ve already made Maroon a seven-point favorite.”

DEFENSIVE PROGRESS Franchione expects Texas State, the sixth-ranked scoring defense in the Sun Belt Conference 2014 season, to improve from last year.

His reasoning is contingent on familiarity. The team is in its second year in defensive coordinator John Thompson’s system, which exerts pressure on the quarterback.

The Bobcats do not have

to worry about installing a new defensive system, which took away time for the team to master the concepts. The team has time and continuity on its side.

The downside, though, is the departure of David Mayo, linebacker, and Craig Mager, cornerback. Mayo led the conference in total tackles last season.

Mager, the lynchpin of last year’s secondary, is drawing interest from NFL teams.

Replicating the team’s production remains at the forefront of Franchione’s concerns.

“It’s hard to replace Mager and Mayo, guys like that,” Franchione said. “(But) they are farther in-depth in what they are doing, and they are more confident. I hope that leads to them being collectively better.”

A TEST OF WILLS

MID-SERIES TRAVELING

The last time Texas State played a single series at home and on the road was in 2011 against UTSA. The Bobcats swept that series against the Roadrunners.

WHAT’S NEXT? Texas State hosts Incarnate Wood Tuesday night for a single game.

Texas State continues Sun Belt Conference play against ArkansasLittle Rock next weekend for a threegame series.

Arkansas-Little Rock is tied for third in the conference and one game behind the Bobcats in the standings at 7-4. The Trojans’ rank will change after their three-game series against Georgia State this weekend.

TRACK & FIELD

Texas State to face top programs at new stadium

By Jose Campos SPORTS REPORTER @josewithaj Big 12 opponents and with familiar faces await the Bobcats at the Baylor Invitational.

Coach Dana Boone said the team will enter the Baylor Invitational ready for a challenge.

“It gave them some confidence, being able to compete and make the finals (at the Texas Relays) and then do well,” Boone said. “I would believe that they go with confidence and (are) excited to compete and see if we can’t improve on our performances from Texas Relays.”

The invitational features schools from the Big 12 Conference such as Baylor, Oklahoma State, TCU and Kansas State. UT-Arlington, alongside Texas State, will represent the Sun Belt Conference.

Boone expects the team will perform to the best of its ability regardless of the competition.

“The clock is the same no matter what conference you are in,” Boone said. “Getting to line up against fast people or more talented people definitely will push you to better performances, so we definitely wel-

come that.”

Boone said the individual events at the Baylor Invitational will provide insight into where Texas State stands nationally. The invitational is not as group-heavy as the Texas Relays.

The Baylor Invitational is the first meet at the Clyde Hart Track and Field Stadium, a new venue constructed at the university. The stadium honors Hart, who coached the track and field team for 42 years.

“More than anything it’s a new track, it’s a new environment, new facility and good competition, so that’s what makes us look forward to the meet,” Boone said.

Boone hopes the weather is more favorable than it was at the TCU Invitational, where she felt conditions may have disrupted the team.

Texas State enters the Baylor Invitational holding the top spots in 10 different events in the Sun Belt Conference.

Boone said she feels the team is prepared.

The Baylor Invitational will be held April 3 beginning at 11 a.m. The hammer throw and running events start at 3 p.m.

“Get a little bit better than we were the week before—that’s the goal, and then we make improvements,” Boone said.

The nature of the selection process means the teams can be uneven in certain positions.

Maroon is pitting Mims and Brandon McDowell, two of the top cornerbacks on the team, against Gold’s wide receiving core, which includes Best, Demun Mercer and Brice Gunter.

Winning this battle could make the difference in the game.

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4 | The University Star | Thursday, April 2, 2015

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Greek organizations need more oversight, training

I

t was the song heard round the Greek world.

A video surfaced March 8 of a racist chant sung by members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the University of Oklahoma. The video elicited reactions from viewers inside and outside of Greek life.

Those involved have faced consequences for their actions, but this incident highlights a larger problem pervading some aspects of the Greek community. This is not the first time a racially charged incident has happened. It will not be the last. The community has a long-standing history of exclusion and racial divides.

Cultivating an exclusive environment is understandable. The point of Greek groups, besides brother/ sisterhood and community service, is to be part of the best. Everyone can’t be Greek, and that’s a big deal.

The editorial board understands those ideals but feels the community can do better. The high standards held during recruitment and rush should translate to all aspects of the community. A proactive approach would be more fruitful than waiting for something racist to happen and then leaping into action.

It is one thing to release statements about inclusion and forgiveness after the fact. It is another to take an active approach to reducing racial bias through sensitivity training. Members

of the SAE chapter learned the chant at a national leadership cruise, according to David Boren, OU president. Perhaps, instead of teaching a horribly racist chant, a leadership conference could teach diversity and management training.

Additionally, university students are a bit old to be suffering from peer pressure. Just because someone learns a chant does not mean they have to say it.

Everyone has the power to make their own decisions, and following the group does not absolve anyone from responsibility.

People involved in the Greek community whining about how their lifestyle is being attacked should imagine how the people on the receiving end of these chants feel. Yes, the Greek community is being attacked, but composing defensive tweets about it isn’t smart. The measure of someone’s character is how they behave when things are tough. Right now, the character of the Greek community is being questioned, and the world is watching to see how they behave.

Now is the time to rise up and lead by example.

Transparency is usually the best policy for scandalous events and comes off as more genuine than a caption on a tweet. Passive acceptance of “that’s just how it is” is no longer acceptable. Freedom of expression is not freedom from consequence, and people must adapt to the changing times.

JORDAN AZCUI STAR ILLUSTRATOR

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.

NIGHTLIFE

San Marcos has proven ready for gay bar after all

Rivers Wright OPINIONS COLUMNIST @MonsieurRivers

I

t has been a while since Stonewall Warehouse opened its doors and let the sound of today’s pop hits flood the streets.

Within the first few months

of opening, the club attracted so much attention that it earned the top spot as the highest-grossing club in San Marcos.

It kept the momentum up in the months that followed by offering theme nights and live performances that ranged from the Texas State salsa band to performances by local drag queens.

After writing a Sept. 11, 2014 University Star column stating that San Marcos was not ready for the gay club, I decided to check the establishment out for myself. Following the yellow brick staircase to the body-shaking bass, patrons are welcomed to a color-changing bar and a friendly and attractive staff.

Despite the skepticism from my

last column, I genuinely had a good time. I danced, drank and sashayed on the catwalk amidst flashing lights and a large number of sweaty, smiling faces.

With two bars for crowd control, a catwalk for the adventurous and a pool table for the more reserved, the gay bar appeals to the masses—so much so that Stonewall has seen an influx of customers from not only the gay community but their straight counterparts as well.

The music is just as diverse as the audience. Current pop hits are not the only sound that can be heard bumping above the Barfish Lounge. The Stonewall DJ spins an all-inclusive set including, but not limited to, EDM, ‘80s hits and reggaeton.

The bar’s all-inclusive and welcoming environment certainly resonated around San Marcos, sending droves of people to the club night after night. I went on multiple occasions just to make sure the packed house was not a one-time fluke.

Whether it is the well-made drinks or the increasingly mixed music, Stonewall is definitely attracting a very diverse audience.

The attendees are becoming so varied, one starts to wonder if the bar will maintain the “gay bar” title that originally garnered criticism and admiration.

While Stonewall is the talk of the town when the sun goes down, the club faces a challenge when day breaks. Their free brunch catered by the Root Cel-

lar Bakery, while delicious, fails to perform against the competition: Vodka Street Global Bistro & Bar directly across the road or Shade Rooftop Patio Bar a few doors down.

Just like any other bar in town, Stonewall will face slow times with only one person drunkenly dancing to Katy Perry or overwhelmingly busy nights where the dance floor may collapse. Only time will tell if the club will become like any other bar in town or hold hard and fast to its roots and raise the standards for everything else in town to become as friendly to diversity as Stonewall.

–Rivers Wright is a journalism junior

CULTURE

African-American studies program beneficial, necessary

Brandon Sams ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR @TheBrandonSams

U

niversity organizations and officials often ignore the black population at Texas State, and it is about time this stopped.

Setting the groundwork for an African-American studies program would be beneficial not just for black students on campus but for the university as a whole.

There is an extensive body of work on the concept of race and the unique experiences and positions of African-Americans in the global community. Focusing on the often-ignored history of this demographic shows a very interesting portrayal of society.

A comprehensive historical narrative of African-Americans throughout the Americas would undoubtedly transcend more than one educational department. Political science, literature, cultural studies, anthropology, biology, sociology, history, psychology and even music and dance would ideally encompass this interdisciplinary AfricanAmerican studies program.

Participating in the distribution of this important framework of the Americas and the global diffusion of AfricanAmerican culture would serve as a benefit to anyone who wishes to diversify their experiences and knowledge. The ends

The University Star Editor-in-Chief................................................Nicole Barrios, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor....................Cameron Cutshall, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters................................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor..............................................Kelsey Bradshaw, starnews@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor..........................................Britton Richter, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................................Imani McGarrell, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor...........................................Madelynne Scales, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor........................................... Quixem Ramirez, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief.....................................Sam Hankins, starcopychief@txstate.edu

definitely justify the means.

There is little reason why the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, both with less than 5 percent of black students as of 2014, can find it within their interests to offer African-American studies programs but Texas State cannot.

Approximately 8 percent of Texas State students are black, a demographic largely ignored by university officials and faculty.

It is time to invest in this considerable portion of the student body.

According to an April 1 University Star article, even the University of Texas at San Antonio has an ongoing AfricanAmerican studies program.

Funny enough, about 8 percent of the UTSA student body is black—the same percentage as Texas State.

According to U.S. News’ university ranking profiles,

Texas State’s 2013 endowment exceeded UTSA by over $39 million. This means a smaller university with a lower endowment and the same proportion of black students was able to invest in an African-American studies program while Texas State was not.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter at Texas State has currently taken up this cause. They are attempting to get 1,500 signatures for their proposal for an AfricanAmerican studies program.

You get more bees with honey than vinegar, but apparently not everyone in the group has gotten that memo. My attempts to communicate with the NAACP board in order to garner more awareness and involvement for their campaign were futile to say the least.

Bobcats need people who want to actually elicit change

in the academic environment, not a group just trying to get another focus campaign to round out their year. Until an actual legitimately interested organization or group of students and faculty come together to fight for inclusion, it is just going to fall to the wayside.

An African-American studies program would be beneficial for the diversification of Texas State’s educational environment. Students should support such a move because everyone deserves to have their histories and narratives taught. For a people stripped of their languages, names, cultures, religions and homelands, our collective history in the Americas is all we have. Financing an AfricanAmerican studies program is the least the university could do.

—Brandon Sams is a journalism sophomore

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Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright Thursday, April 2, 2015. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

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The University Star | Thursday, April 2, 2015 | 5

LIFESTYLE

UniversityStar.com

Beginner, advanced work showcased in university student art exhibition

By Denise Cervantes LIFESTYLE REPORTER @cervantesdenise The Texas State School of Art and Design opened its annual All Student Juried Exhibition March 30, featuring the works of program members in an exclusive competition.

The exhibition will run until April 16 in Galleries I, II and III of the Joann Cole Mitte Art Building.

Mary Mikel Stump, gallery coordinator, said the display ranges from pieces created in foundation-level courses to thesis works.

Stump said the galleries give students, faculty and staff the opportunity to appreciate artwork created throughout the year.

"Once a year we get to pat ourselves on our back a little bit, and we get to celebrate the work made in our classes,” Stump said. “Everybody feels good about it."

Stump said sculptures, paintings and videos were selected for the exhibit.

"That’s one of the things that makes it so interesting,” Stump said.

“The curator or the juror are not selecting pieces that would make the best exhibit. The things that these (exhibits) have in common are that they were made in classes."

A common theme usually emerges from the displays despite the variation in pieces and mediums, she said.

“You start seeing similar con-

cepts,” Stump said. “Even though it’s not intentional, this is just the things on the mind(s) of the students. Maybe it’s affected by the proximity of our students or current events, but it’s always very interesting to see these things emerge."

Alexander Kamelhair, studio art senior, said he was proud to have his piece selected.

“I submitted a video of a timemade sculpture of a cast ice clock, and I felt honored that they liked it and thought it’d be a great addition to the show,” Kamelhair said.

Julie Carey, studio art senior, experienced mixed emotions after submitting two of her sculptures to the exhibition.

"You really want to make a display for yourself,” Carey said. “You don’t want to look like you don’t know what you’re doing. But at the same time, I was also really excited because you know it looks good on your résumé, and it’s kind of confirming to know you’re on the right track.”

Stump said the gallery benefits students who are selected as well as those who are not.

“I’m always so happy for those students by having their work selected because it’s really meaningful and influential for those students’ lives— for those who get selected and even for those who don’t because they see what to aspire to,” Stump said.

The show offers students in foundation-level classes a chance to gain

PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ike Julian, art history and anthropology senior, explains his artwork to David Hefner, senior lecturer at the School of Art and Design, March 30 in the Joan Cole Mitte Art Gallery during the All Student Juried Exhibition. experience in their fields, Stump said. The exhibit is open to all art students, which allows the school to showcase a variety of content.

“I think one of the most fun things about this show is that there are always pieces selected by the juror

that come from some of the foundational classes,” Stump said. “That’s what shows what this exhibition is meant to illustrate, and that is that great work that is being done in alllevel courses.”

Stump said she encourages the

community to support the student artists while the gallery is active.

“This show is not easily dismissed,” Stump said. “There are really great workings in here.”

Campus organization promotes better writing skills Kramer said the organization allows students to meet twice a month to keep their skills sharp.

The club provides members with the opportunity to work with other The Creative Writing Club provides writers, practice new techniques and students with the opportunity to hone be a part of a community of students their skills not just as professionals with similar interests. but recreationally.

“I expressed to my director that I The organization meets the first would be really interested,” Kramer said. “It kind of felt like something I can contribute with.”

Kramer said coordinators take turns creating activities for the beginning of the meetings to serve as a warm-up for members.

“I hope they become more comfortable with their own writing,” Kramer said. “The majority of the time is spent in a workshop giving feedback to one another.”

Kramer hopes members can be exposed to various styles and receive feedback from the other writers involved.

Deitz said the coordinators do not feature their own work and instead focus entirely on what the members want to learn. The first half hour of DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR the meeting is focused on skill-based activities for members.

Joseph Snyder, biology sophomore, reviews changes to his novel in the Creative Kramer said she helps teach Writing Club April 1 at the Writing Center.

By Louis Zylka LIFESTYLE REPORTER @Orinzylka

and third Wednesday of every month from 4-6 p.m. at the Texas State Writing Center and is open to students of all majors.

Megann Kramer, English senior, and James Deitz, creative writing graduate student, founded the club November 2014. Kramer said they created the organization as a reboot of previous writing clubs.

dialogue and fiction writing. Deitz Kramer said the club is open to teaches imagery, voice and poetry. all students interested in improving Both coordinators brainstorm ideas their writing. for future meetings.

Nicholas Hudson, English fresh“Doing a workshop before I be- man, said he heard about the club come a professor makes me under- after interviewing a member for his stand what people are looking for,” University Seminar class.

Deitz said. “This is helping groom Hudson said the activities help myself to become a better workshop him think outside of the box and teacher.” learn how to handle different forms Deitz said the time after the writing of writing. portions is used for collaboration and “This (club) gives enough motifeedback. The coordinators empha- vation to come and write because size giving the writers constructive you’re not going to sit there and see criticism and answering questions. everyone else write,” Hudson said.

“I think what makes the writing “I hope to craft enough techniques club so fun is the prompts and, ob- to form my own story in the future.” v i o u s ly, the feed- In the Mercantile Building Across from Gruene Hall back,” Deitz said.

“When you’re around other w r i te r s , you tend to want to write $9.00/hour starting pay rate. more and Apply online or in person between 2-4pm Monday-Thursday to write better.” moziesbarandgrill.com

PICKS OF THE WEEKEND

By Britton Richter LIFESTYLE EDITOR @brittonrichter

FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN

The REI Outdoor School will offer recreational activities March 28-April 26 at San Marcos’ own Spring Lake.

The school will provide all equipment necessary for kayak and paddleboard tours. The event will offer some muchneeded exercise for swimsuit season as well as an opportunity to learn about the Edwards Aquifer. The times and dates for classes vary. Students can register on REI’s website.

FOR THE CRAWFISH LOVER

Zelicks Icehouse, a San Marcos staple,

is hosting its third annual crawfish boil Thursday from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature plenty of crawfish and sausage wraps as well as live music performed

by Zydeco Blanco. Community Action, an organization dedicated to reducing poverty throughout central Texas, will provide a voucher for free food at the event with an online donation.

FOR THE WINO

FOR THE YOUNG SAN MARTIAN

Springs Fest, the self-proclaimed largest paddling festival in the Hill Country, will take place April 4. Students can feel free to stop by at any time during the day to enjoy paddling and kayaking demonstrations. Competitions will be held later in the afternoon. Children are encouraged to partake as well with a Kids and Kayaks class. Rio Vista Park will host the event, and demonstrations and equipment swaps for all experience levels will be offered.

Easter is just around the corner, and with that holiday festivity comes plenty of egg hunting. Farmer Fred’s Spring Carnival will return to the San Marcos City Park Thursday from 6-9 p.m.

Plenty of activities for kids of all ages as well as coveted $3 photos with the Easter Bunny will be available.

San Marcos’ Three Dudes Winery is kicking off its First Friday Live Music event April 3 from 6-9 p.m. The event is a triple threat, featuring local wine, free hotdogs and live music. There is no cover charge.

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6 | The University Star | Lifestyle | Thursday, April 2, 2015

Talent show winner astonishes audience with magic performance

By Sarah Bradley LIFESTYLE REPORTER @sarah_bradskies Students, faculty and staff gathered at George’s in the LBJ Student Center to observe mystical illusions of a local magician.

George’s staff hosted and presented the Wednesday magic performance by Connor Branach, communication studies senior.

The performance consisted of audience participation, balloon sword swallowing and disappearing CocaCola—much more than the average “bunny out of a hat” tricks.

Branach won Texas State’s Homecoming talent show Oct. 1, 2014.

He has been practicing magic for over 10 years, he said.

“I first started off as a juggler, but one day I went to the store to find more juggling items and happened upon a magic trick set,” Branach said. “From that moment on I was hooked on magic.”

Branach finds inspiration in people around him and other illusionists, including Derren Brown and Penn and Teller.

“They’re so inspirational to me because they take risks and try new things with their magic shows,” Branach said.

Branach said he puts his own personal touch on standard tricks.

“Every magic trick is typically based off of previous magicians, but I definitely try to branch off of them and add my own modern take to those classical illusions,” Branach said.

Branach said practice is important in magic, just as it is with any skill. He usually performs every day amongst friends and family along with other performances.

“Magic, to me, is a means of communication with others,” Branach said. “It’s a great way to get to know people and connect with them in a whole other way.”

Veronica Gonzalez, George’s manager and event coordinator, said the staff was willing to help support Branach, who is an employee at the venue.

“Connor has worked for George’s for about a year now,” Gonzalez said. “Once we heard of his win-

Connor Branach, communication studies senior, performs a magic trick with dental floss April 1 at George's in LBJ Student Center. ning in last year’s talent show, we simply had to ask him to perform for us. We are happy to say this is his second successful show for us.”

The process of setting up the show took more than a unanimous agreement on Branach’s talents, Gonzalez said.

“This event takes us about three weeks to fully get organized, seeing as there is so much that goes into it,” Gonzalez said. “From finding an appropriate time to getting George’s supervisor’s approval and then working with the marketing department to advertise it, Branach’s show takes prep time.”

Gonzalez said the show is worth the work because Branach’s personality and overall performance are popular with audiences.

“He’s a very charismatic person,” Gonzalez said. “That’s just his personality, so he makes the crowds want to interact and be involved in the performance. His approachability allows the audience to become

“I like that he was really interactive with the audience members,” Esparza said. “He really knew how to liven up the audience, get them interested and get them involved in all he was exhibiting—not to men-

Every magic trick is typically based off of previous magicians, but I definitely try to branch off of them and add my own modern take to those classical illusions ­—CONNOR BRANACH, COMMUNICATION STUDIES SENIOR swept away in his show.”

Kaytlin Esparza, English sophomore, approved of the way Branach directed his presentation.

tion the amazing tricks he had.

Those really blew my mind.”

Joseph Hechler, psychology junior, said he was pleased with

MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR

Branach’s performance.

“I met Connor in French class, and when he said he was a magician and having a performance on campus, I had to check it out,” Hechler said. “I’m really glad I did, too, because I was completely blown away! Not that I had bad expectations going into it, but this was really incredible.”

Gonzalez said management staff with George’s plan to continue hosting Connor Branach’s show after he graduates.

“We surely welcome Connor to come perform anytime,” Gonzalez said. “And for those who haven’t seen his show, I highly recommend them to come see it because they are truly missing out on some amazing magic.”

Wind Symphony performs deconstruction of musical genres at Texas State, which ciate professor, and Morris Nelms, comes with challeng- jazz piano senior lecturer, took the es and rewards. stage to perform Prelude, Fugue “The repertoire and Riffs by Leonard Bernstein. that gets played by Vogel said the piece was writthis band is more ten for a clarinet solo with a jazz advanced, and therefore you have ensemble instead of a large concert a larger selection of band. A jazz band was created usthings that you can ing members of the symphony to play,” Vogel said. “It aid the two professors, Vogel said. is more challenging “The performance has a lot of and, overall, just a jazz, and we saw two of our top little more fun.” professors, who are both interVogel said the vari- national award winners, playing ety of music sets the show apart from pre- this crazy jazz piece,” Vogel said.

Allison McGlamery, animal vious performances.

“We covered mu- science freshman, said the persic such as Mozart, formance exceeded expectations. which is from the “I really liked watching the eighteenth century, clarinetist in the last song play and also music writ- at the height of the performance,” ten within the last 20 McGlamery said. “I was watching years,” Vogel said. “It his fingers, and they were moving was a pretty big span, which meant there so fast.”

Vogel said the variety of music is something for evfeatured at the concert made it eryone.”

Kleine Dreigro- the perfect event for music and schenmusik by Kurt non-music majors alike.

“Sometimes people kind of stray ANDRES J RODRIGUEZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Weill, the fifth song of the night, included away from classical music because A french horn quartet performs April 1st for the Wind Symphony Chamber Concert at Patti Strickel Harrison. a banjo and accor- they think it is really long, but with dion. a chance to play in that hall be- strings and fewer wind players, and

By Mariah Simank this show none of the pieces were “One of the pieces that was cause our usual Wind Symphony in a band you also have saxophones ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR like that,” Vogel said. “Each one Concerts are played in Evans Au- and euphoniums, which would not performed had a banjo and an @MariahSimank ditorium.” be found in an orchestra.”

Beatty said the 55-member Wind Beatty said auditions are held The Texas State Wind Symphony Symphony was broken into groups twice a year for the Wind Symheld its Chamber Concert titled “Deconstructed” on Wednesday for the performances. This system phony’s fall and spring semesters. at the Performing Arts Center allowed students to work with mu- The group is open to music and sic they would not normally have non-music majors, like other conRecital Hall. the chance to play. cert bands on campus.

The performance featured selec“There is a repertoire of really “We have Wind Symphony, tions including Serenade No. 10 great music for winds and per- Symphonic Winds and Concert

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, cussion that has been written for Band, and we do auditions for ‪Prelude from Le Tombeau de Cou- smaller groups instead of the large those at the beginning of the fall perin by Marice Ravel and Kleine group we have when we put the semester for that same semester, Dreigroschenmusik by Kurt Weill. entire band on the stage,” Beatty and then we do it again right afCaroline Beatty, director of said. “I wanted to give these musi- ter Thanksgiving for the spring,” bands, has conducted the Wind cians the opportunity to play those Beatty said.

Symphony for the past four years. pieces as well.”

Non-music majors have the opThe performance was added in orBeatty said the Wind Sym- tion to audition for placement in der to use the new Performing Arts phony’s instrumentation is dif- one of the three groups, or they ­—STEVEN VOGEL, TROMBONE PERFORMANCE SENIOR Center Recital Hall, Beatty said. ferent from that of most orchestral can choose to register to be in the “There has been some music groups.

Concert Band without an audition, that I have wanted to play with the accordion, which are both special of the songs was really short, and “Wind Symphony is basically a Beatty said. groups, and this is a great way to band, and it is referred to as that Steven Vogel, trombone perfor- pieces we don’t traditionally use,” they were all very different, which made it easy for the audience to put it out there,” Beatty said. “Also, many times,” Beatty said. “In a tra- mance senior, said the Wind Sym- Beatty said. this gives our ensemble members ditional orchestra you would have phony is the top wind ensemble Vanguel Tangarov, clarinet asso- engage.”

“It is more challenging and, overall, just a little more fun.”